What finding in the radiograph is typical for a necrotic tooth?

• A. Thickened periodontal ligament
• B. Wide apical radiolucency
• C. Healthy bone structure around roots
• D. Presence of pulp stones

Answer: (A)

In assessing radiographs for signs of a necrotic tooth, a wide apical radiolucency is a notable finding. This radiolucency represents a loss of bone density around the apex of the tooth root due to inflammatory processes, which often occur when the pulp is necrotic. The necrosis can lead to periapical periodontitis and eventually result in an apical abscess, causing a radiographic appearance of a dark area where the bone has been resorbed or is absent.

While a thickened periodontal ligament may suggest an active inflammatory process, it is not exclusively indicative of necrosis. Healthy bone structure around the roots typically signifies that there are no pathological changes, ruling out necrosis. The presence of pulp stones indicates calcifications within the pulp chamber but does not directly relate to the vitality of the tooth.

Thus, the finding that is typical for a necrotic tooth is indeed a wide apical radiolucency, as it highlights the consequences of the necrosis and its impact on the surrounding bone structure.